Coach Jordan pg. 5
Clear Creek Marching Band pg. 13
Road Construction pg.8
Hurricane Harvey strongly impacts the community By Catherine Irvine Editor-In-Chief
For nine days Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana. Harvey formed on August 17 and dissipated on September 3. At its peak, the destructive Atlantic hurricane reached a category four with wind speeds of 1304miles per hour. The highest accumulation of water from the storm reached 64 inches in just four days. The rain water left over 500,000 flooded cars and over 30,000 people displaced from their homes. Harvey claimed a total of 77 lives, 76 from the United States and one from Guyana. Days after Harvey, Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean and Florida as a category five hurricane and lasted over a week. Irma hit its highest intensity on September 6. Sustained winds reached 185 miles per hour. The Hurricane 132 lives. Days after Irma, Hurricane Maria made land fall as a category five hurricane. Maria caused catastrophic damage to the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Dominica. Maria was the worst natural disaster recorded in Dominica. Maria wiped out
power and connection in Puerto Rico. As of October 8, 86 people were recorded as being killed by the storm. Together, Irma and Harvey took away over 33,000 jobs from Texas,
over, due to major highways being flooded in Houston. Immediately after the hurricanes almost everyone in the community was volunteering or donating goods. Several
Photo by Sierra Dickey Florida and Louisiana. celebrities including J.J. Hurricanes Irma and Watt, Beyoncé, Taylor Maria make the 2017 storm season to be Swift as well as several others donated the first one to have two or more category money to Harvey relief funds. five storms since 2007. Athletic groups such as baseball, Those who chose to evacuate from football and volleyball at Creek l met at Hurricane Harvey were unable to come Veterans Stadium to help clean up houses back until a few days after the storm was that had been destroyed by flood waters.
Several restaurants in League City and Dickinson gave away free food during the initial recovery period. People volunteered by either cleaning homes, making food, buying goods or working for shelters or watching children for adults who were cleaning homes out. “I helped others during this event because I saw that my community was in need, and people I know needed to be helped and I couldn’t just stand by,” Elias Avila, Junior, said. Clear Creek Independent School District opened several schools, including Creek as shelters and donation centers for those who were displaced by Harvey. The shelters accepted lightly used clothes, hygiene products, canned foods and cleaning supplies. Schools in the district faced damages ranging from leaking ceilings to flooded gym floors. On October 21, Texas A&M University will host a concert to help with Harvey recovery.All living former presidents will attend the concert. The concert will include Texas performers such as the Gatlin Brothers, and Lyle Lovett, along with the country group Alabama and singer Lee Greenwood
Dental program allows new choices for students By Kaydn Chatman Reporter
The construction at Clear Creek High School began in 2004 and just recently ended after 13 years. There is now a new career and technology wing for people to take classes in. Which includes a professional dental program, a third gym, renovations to the fine arts facilities, renovations to Carlisle gym, locker area, offices and natatorium. One major project is the dental program which includes a class room with dental chairs, an x-ray machine, a reception office and an abundance of other things. The program is the first dental program in Clear Creek ISD and is open to all students, juniors or above, that attend a high school in CCISD. Students wanting to take the class must submit an application which can be found on the CCISD website. In the application, you must include your full name, student ID, and date of birth. Accepted students get to work with equipment that would be found in a regular dentist office. Students that do not attend Clear Creek High School, but attend other campuses in CCISD are able to travel to the campus to take the class. In order for students to do so, they must complete the program and pass their state boards to become registered dental assistants. When one becomes a professional dental assistant, they take care of patients, take x-rays, and practice record keeping
and scheduling appointments. Some duties may differ by state and the dentist office they work at. Dental assistants make about $35,908 a year, but the amount is predicted
treatment procedures. For example, taking and developing dental radiographs, serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol and preparing
to increase by 18 Photo by Sebastian Sandoval and sterilizing instruments and percent. While working equipment, providing patients as a dental assistant important skills to with instructions for oral care following have are listening skills, organizational surgery. Also, other dental treatment skills, interpersonal skills, dexterity and procedures such as the placement of a detailed oriented skills. People who are filling, teaching patients appropriate oral wanting to work in dental offices as hygiene strategies to maintain oral health, assistants must have had previous training performing office management tasks on how to use instruments, interact with that often require the use of a personal patients and complete daily task such as computer, helping provide direct patient assisting the dentist during a variety of care in all dental specialties, asking about
the patients’ medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse, and keeping the patients feeling comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment. Doing this helps dental assistants get opportunities like developing solo dental practices and even group practices. The new expansion in CCISD is one of just many expansions to help kids get the first two years of college complete. If this continues, it will help parents save thousands of dollars on college expenses. Many people are starting to take early college classes while in high school so they don’t have to spend as much time in college. There are multiple ways to earn college credit in CCISD, one way is for students having the opportunity to go to Clear Horizons, which is an early college school. Students who go to Clear Horizons are able to take early college classes while still in high school so that when they graduate they will not have to take as many courses as an incoming freshman. There are also AP classes that are available for students in high school to take. If the students pass their AP test, then they receive a credit for college and will not have to take that class in college if it is part of their classes. CCISD adding a dental program is very resourceful to students who are interested in becoming a dentist or a dental assistant because it will help to lower their college expenses and make it easier for them to be able to get their degree faster.
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Opinion
WHAT PART OF FOOTBALL SEASON ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST? Creek is t a n o s a for ll se “Footba ave dreamed of gIh part of n a i e h t m e o m c o e s b g able to ing. Now I get n i e B . s r az yea ion is am d peers on the t i d a r t k n Cree friends a y m h c t to wa field.”
“I’m excited to be marching in marching band during the games.” -Amber Farrar (11t h)
“I’m looking forward to the work that goes into each game, and each time the clock hits zero. This season the players have worked, sweat and bled as a team and I look forward to not only playing great football with them, but making memories as well.” -Austin Vining (11th)
to drink y d a e r “I’m colate o h c t o h some o the t o g d n a me.” a g g n i homecom ligora -Ms. Wa ard to w r o f k o o l I “ e stands playing in th out and hanging ds.” with my frien (10th) -Jacob Soto
“It’s a great way to bring all of Creek together and support the school.” -Trey Ponce (9th)
“I’m excited to see Creek succeed!” - Jessica Buckstunl (10th)
“I’m looking fo rward to seeing everyon e come together as a s chool and showing how p roud we are to represent CCH S football.” -Kayla Pfeiffer (9th)
e forward to th g in k o lo m I’ “ ost because m e th e m a g ally homecoming er you norm th e h w , y a d t ne’s on tha r not, everyo o it ir p s l o o have sch reek.” rooting for C
er (12th)
-Daniel Bett
“Half time- Perform ing for an audience is thrilling and I love providin g the entertainment for our football crowds.” -Mr. Daniel
“I look forward to playing, directiong and dancing with the band in the stands, also dancing with the Caviliers.” -Ja’Dell Scott (11th)
ool spirit, h sc e th to rd a rw “I’m looking fo stands.” n io ss e c n o c e th ly but most 0th) -Cierra Aguilera (1
2017-2018
HiLife Staff Principal: Jamey Majewski Advisor: Wynette Jameson Editors-in-Chief: Catherine Irvine Sierra Dickey Managing Editor: Brittney Melanson Photo Editor: Christifer Castillo Design Editors: Brittney Melanson News Editor: Maddie Moore Online Editor: Lilo Shelley Features Editor: Arrington Linder Entertainment Editor: Joana Mancia Sports Editors: Jacob Madden Around Creek Editor: Morgan Severson Advertising Manager: Brittney Melanson Reporters: Photographers: Briana Harris Sebastian Sandoual Leah Burnam Danielle Dunavant Neil Smith Clarissa Valcoviak Kaydn Chatman Erik Kouth Nicole Alvarenga Olivia Foster Ashleigh Lewis Cece Huff Published at Mirror Publishers in Texas City Visit us at: www.creekhilife.com or http://clearcreekhs.ccisd.net For ad rates call: (281)-284-1889
Editorial
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Sierra Shares: Discovering ourselves
By Sierra Dickey Editor-in-Chief
Since starting my Junior year, I have found myself consistently asking the mirror the same question: “Who am I?” I have found myself getting so lost in the cacophony of daily school living, and being so absorbed in assignments due, while also trying to keep up with the normal drama of a seventeen-year old’s life that I have neglected to focus on myself. I am sure that these circumstances can be applied to many of you reading this paper. What makes a person who they are? What makes me Sierra Marie Dickey? Is it the outfits that I spend so much time putting together, or is it the straightener that smooths all of the waves out of my hair? Is it even the words that leave my mouth
while talking to my friends? If it is those things, what keeps me from blending in with every other seventeen-year old trying to survive their Junior year of high-school? As I walk through the halls of Clear Creek I find it hard to see the things that make me unique. We all seem to be walking with the same determined step, desperately trying to make it from class to class. Some of us with the tense expression of just having done second period’s homework in first period. Some of us with the relaxed expression of enjoying the reprieve from classes. Though I know every face is different, they all start to mesh into a blur of faces that look just like the one I saw in the mirror that morning. From the day we are born, we have expectations placed upon us. What height and weight percentile do we fall under? Are we hitting all the milestones and developmental landmarks we should be? Are we reading at the expected grade level? Are we completing homework assignments and meeting expected test scores? All these expectations serve as guides to make sure we are on the right
track, that we are healthy and happy. But these are all generalized standards, there is no individuality to them. So, it is no wonder that as I walk these halls I find it hard to differentiate myself from my peers, since we are all measured in exactly the
artwork so he can put more energy into passing Biology. This process of give and take begins to water-out our passions, and take away from who we are as individuals. So how are we supposed to find time to be able to work on ourselves as individual unique human beings? Can I google, “who am I supposed to be?” Is there an app that I can buy for $1.99 that will take me step by step to the person I am meant to become? No, of course not, but how in a world that is now filled with so much instant gratification am I supposed to be expected to take the time to find out who that person in the mirror is. Especially when every avenue I turn down is telling me that if I cannot meet certain expectations I must be doing something wrong. How can I find the time to look myself in the mirror and say, “You are not falling short, you are not inadequate, you are unique?” Although, I do not think as teenagers we should have our lives and who we are going to be for the rest of them figured out yet. I do believe it is never too early to begin reflecting on the people we are starting to become. I also believe that knowing just because you are not meeting some of the societally constructed norms placed upon us does not make you any less of a person. I hope everyone is able to find their passion, and I hope once they do they hold onto to it for the rest of their lives.
“Some flowers will take years to bloom, Some blooms are small, while others could fill a room Each flower will grow to be its best. Each flower will face its own series of tests. Each flower is beautiful, in each flowers way. And each flower grows, each and everyday.” -Anonymous same way. The girl who flunked her Precalculus test can’t go home and be happy about the A she just made on her English paper. The boy with an award-winning art piece can’t smile because for some reason biology just does not make sense to him. And since we are falling short of what the expected standards say we should be doing in some areas, we feel inadequate. So, the girl starts to focus more on Pre-calculus just so she can pass, but in doing so her English papers are not what they used to be. The boy now begins to neglect his
Cat’s Chats: Appreciating the Parks
By Catherine Irvine Editor-in-Chief America’s youth has neglected a remarkable gift from past generations. For the past hundred and one years, scenery, wildlife and historical and natural objects have been set aside for the enjoyment of future generations through the National Parks Service. In 1872, the United States Congress passed an act that set aside land in Montana and Wyoming that is now known as Yellowstone. Then in 1918, under President Woodrow Wilson the National Parks Service was established and the Organic act was signed. The Organic act protected the land by stating the parks and guests would “provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” This summer, like previous ones, I flew west to visit Washington state which really meant staying at Mount Rainier National
Park for a while. During the trip, I stayed on the mountain for a week, most of which was spent backpacking and camping. While I was hiking, I met people from all walks of life. Some worked in an office in Seattle and decided they would spend their week off by enjoying the mountain next door. Others had planned their vacation months ahead and lugged around packs with snow shovels and warm jackets that they planned on using to reach Mount Rainier’s summit. There was no difference in excitement if someone was spending the night on the mountain or hiking a short trail. No matter what I was doing or where I was at inside the park, because of the surrounding beauty and history I felt that I was included in something much bigger than myself. Once my backpacking part of the trip was over and I left the meadows and waterfalls behind, my father and I decided to drive to Paradise Inn. That night the lodge was advertising a show one of the rangers was planning on doing, so we sat down and waited 45 minutes for “Reflections and Songs” to start. That night we watched Park Ranger Jay Horita-Chu singing John Denver and Green day songs and interacting with the audience by asking them to share
what brought them to the National Parks. But something disturbing that popped up on his slideshow was the “Millennial Valley.” The “Millennial Valley” is the dip in a graph where ages 16 to 30 of a large group of visitors who were surveyed for their age.
irrelevant in our technology obsessed world, but with growing industrial cities, escaping and tuning into nature has become critical. Visiting the Parks allows for disconnection between yourself and the busy outside world. You talk to people you would normal ignore, meet a chipmunk who will definitely try to steal your food if you are not looking and have your breath taken away when you stumble upon a view of the mountain from on top of burrows through hazy clouds. The parks provide more than protection to wildlife. In the United States, there are over 84 million acres of land protected by the National Parks service. This provides over 20,000 government funded jobs. The jobs range from being a backcountry ranger and rescuing hikers, educating the guests about the parks and the wildlife in them or waitressing at a lodge. Take time out of your busy schedule to plan a trip to a National park whether it is to backpack, day hike or relax in the visitor centers. Use the gift of preservation to your advantage so you know your children and your children’s children can have the opportunity to have similar awe filled moments.
“Thousands of tired, nerveshaken, over civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is home; that wilderness is a necessity.” -John Muir The highest frequency of visitations was from the age group of 40 to 65. This showed that the previous generation who grew up with family road trips to the National Parks in a Volkswagen van are now growing old and their children are no longer taking advantage of the land. Why is our generation lacking visitation to National Parks? Some may argue that what the National Parks service provides has become
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Responsiblity is the ability to act indepednently and make decisions without authorization and completing the task given. Ovi Saldana, a junior at Creek has shown great responsibiltiy over the course of the past few weeks. During Hurricane Harvey he accomplsihed many things and helped many people. “I went out to various locations ncluding churches, neighborhoods, and even the shelter at Creek. I did this almsot for two weeks while out of school because my parents taught me to help the community.”
News The CCISD Core Values
Respect is using good manners, practicing tolerance, being considerate of the feelings of other and dealing not hurting anyone. Clay Morrison has immense respect for others and elders which were taught to him by his parents while growing up. He also showed respect during Hurricane Harvey by volunteering with chruch members and friends. “I volunteered at the shelter at Bay Harbor for a few days and spent the rest of the time working on gutting and cleaning churches, offices,and houses...I did it because it was the right thing to do for the community”
Fairness is the act to justly treat or behave towards someone without discrimination or favoritism. Jiovani Escobedo shows fairness in and out of school , including during playing soccor. While he is playing he must show the same treatment to his team as he does to the opposing team, which he does well. Along with showing fairness during soccer, he also showed it during Harvey. “I did it all because I didn’t want to spend my time in my home being fine while others are in devastating conditions and it felt unfair for me and my friends and family.”
Trustworthiness is the ability for others to be able to rely on as honest or truthful. The ability to be there when people need you and when promises are made. Elias Avila is very much one of the most trustworthy people at Creek. He espcially was when he promised to do something during the hurricane and fulfiled that promise. “I helped clean houses during Harvey. I helped others during this event, because i saw that my community was in need and people i knew needed to be helped. I couldnt just stand by.”
Citizenship is the character of an individual viewed as a member of the society. Emma Hinkel definitely shows character. She is in marching band and shows that she cares about overall things rather than herself. She also showed citizenship by volunteering during the disasterous hurricane Harvey and helping clean up and share music with children. “I think it is important because to help out our community in a time of need such as Harvey, so many people needed help and it’s the right thing to do, to step up and offer everything you can to help them and to grow as society.”
Caring is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Caroline Coco, a senior at Creek has shown these attributes in her everyday life. Her status as one of the drum major in band her kindness shine because she treats everyone with sympathy and kindness. Also Caroline Coco and the band went to Goforth to help preoccupy the children while their parents cleaned up the aftermath of Harvey. “Our Wildcat band taught groups of elementary students for a few days about msuic and rhythm while their parents dealt with the aftermath of Harvey.”
-Responsiblity -Fairness -Citizenship
-Respect -Trustworthy -Kindness
News
Remembering beloved Coach Jordan By Jordan’s Family Obituary
Ruben Clifford Jordan, 58, of Tyler, Texas passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2017. He was born on July 3, 1959 in Athens, Texas to the late Rev. Bennie C. Jordan, Sr. and the late Ora Timmons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Timmons Allen and Clifford Timmons, and the grandparents Ruben and Ruth Massey Jordan. A Class of 1977 graduate of John Tyler High School, Ruben excelled as a member of the football team, earning himself a full athletic scholarship to both Tyler Junior College and Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Sociology. He started his coaching and teaching career at Hardin Jefferson ISD in 1982 where his greatness began to flourish. He went on from there to Beaumont ISD where he was an elementary school teacher and coach. A few years later, Ruben joined Clear Creek ISD as an assistant football and track coach. Coach Jordan was a fixture at Clear Creek High School for 28 years until his retirement in the summer of 2016. He was most proud to see his students and studentathletes become successful adults. He had the pleasure of teaching and coaching many of his early students’ children. Ruben was also a successful business owner of Friendswood Driving School. Coach Jordan will be remembered as a “gentle giant” that touched thousands of student’s lives throughout his career. Known
as a calming presence around campus, Coach Jordan engaged students in creative ways to leave a positive impact on their lives. Above his professional accomplishments, Ruben was most proud of his two children, Roger Jordan and Lindsey Jordan Gay, MD who he raised with their mother Sandra Bridges. He was the ultimate family man and was an exceptional nurturer and provider for his children. He would do anything for them, but expected excellence in return. His softer side became obvious with the birth of his granddaughter and grandson, 5 years and 9 months ago, respectively. Coach Jordan’s full influence and impact on the lives of so many will never fully be known, but his legacy will live on. Ruben is survived by his son Roger Lee Jordan; his daughter Lindsey Marie Jordan Gay, MD and her husband Brandon; two grandchildren Samaya Rose Jordan and Braylon Jordan Gay; brothers Jerry (Theresa) Timmons of Houston, Texas, Bennie C. (Toni) Jordan Jr. of Houston, Texas, and Oscar D. Jordan of Fayetteville, North Carolina; a sister Sylvia Jordan Key of Tyler, Texas; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, family, friends, family, and students. Editor’s Note: The HiLife Staff is dedicating our school year to the memory of Coach Jordan. We want to honor him by the stories we write, the photos we take and the issues we print and the way we behave. Let us know if you see that we are not complying with our promis. If you like what we are doing, please let us know.
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“Knowing Coach Jordan as a fellow social studies teacher, a neighbor, and a Dad; I know that he will be missed. He was a good man, who loved his children. A man of integrity, who would give his all to help others. It was my honor to teach with him, to live two doors away from him and watch his son Roger grow up into a great adult, alongside my own son Edward as they played on different sports teams growing up. Coach there must be a place in heaven for you to help the young people run with the wind on the track of eternity. Be at peace I know your race is run, and now God will take over. My love to his family, I know there is tremendous pain, I have been there and it is overwhelming now. May God Bless your family.” - Pastor Ken Jones (retired)
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News
Las Vegas faces tragedy with a mass shooting By Arrington Linder Features Editor
Until now, the biggest US mass shooting was June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. In Las Vegas on October 1 at the Harvest Festival. 64-year-old Stephen Paddock shot from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Paddocks motive is still unknown but the Islamic State terror group claims Paddock converted to Islam a few months ago, yet there is no proof to substantiate their claim. This is not the first time terror groups have claimed a shooter. At a nightclub in Florida in 2016, the attacker said he was with the Islamic State group and the group later claimed responsibility. A SWAT team found Stephen Paddock dead in his hotel room before the team had a chance to get to him. Paddock is believed to have shot himself. With him in the hotel room, Paddock had at least 23 firearms along with another 19 firearms at his home in Mesquite, Nevada. Paddock’s girlfriend Marilou Danley was overseas as the shooting occurred and she is currently not suspected to have any involvement with the shooting. “He had a couple of guns but they were all handguns, legal. He might have had one long gun, but he had them in a safe.” Eric Paddock, the shooters brother, said. Eric Paddock had no idea what would occur. He is “horrified” and “dumbfounded” by his brother’s actions. According to Eric, his brother was not associated with any
religion and said he would sometimes send his mother cookies and did not seem like the type of guy who would do something as horrendous as this. The two brothers made a living by investing in real estate making
for escaping prison. He resided on the list until 1977 and died 21 years later in 1998. Days before the attack, Paddock is said to have wired $100,000 to his girlfriend’s home country, the Philippines.
Eric a multimillionaire. He wasn’t aware of Stephen having any financial difficulties. Eric had said that his brother played “high stakes poker” and had once won $40,000 on a slot machine. Stephen’s dad, Patrick Benjamin Paddock was an infamous bank robber who had been on FBI’s most wanted list for eight years
Although his girlfriend Marilou Danley was not in the country as the shooting occurred, she returned to the United States from the Philippines on October 5, landing at Los Angeles International Airport. Paddoc was not expecting to go to the Philippines. She said Steve bought her a ticket and she decided to go. Danley is being escorted
as gifs. The iPhone 8 costs $699.00 for 64 GB of storage and $849.00 for 256 GB of storage. The iPhone 8s cost $799.00 for 64 GB or storage and $949.00 for 256 GB of storage. “Say hello to the future,” Apple, about the
and dust like the iPhone 8. The iPhone X has a new camera called the True Depth Camera. This camera is used for the new Face ID and the Animoj features. You can unlock the new iPhone X with your face in the light and dark. The True Depth
Photo Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
by the FBI to Los Angeles where she was questioned by the Las Vegas police. As of October 4, three days after the attack the death toll has risen to 59 with 530 injuries. “I knew Stephen Paddock as a kind, caring, quiet man. He never said anything to me or took any action that I was aware of that I understood in any way to be a warning that something horrible like this was going to happen.” Marilou Danley, Stephen Paddock’s girlfriend, said. Paddock fired hundreds of shots from the 32 floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Officials say Paddock had intentions of making it out alive, yet he ended up leaving a note behind and killing himself. The note is not a suicide note but officials have yet to say what the note said. Police have found 50 pounds of explosives and approximately 1,600 rounds of ammunition in his car. Investigators have spent days looking for any evidence of there being an accomplice but have not yet found anything. In the past year, Paddock had purchased 33 guns and had been collecting weaponry since 1982. “What we know is Paddock is a man who spent decades acquiring guns and ammo, and living a secret life. Anything that would indicate this individual trigger point, which could cause him to inflict this harm, we’re not there yet.” Lombardo, Sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, said. For those interested in helping victims of this attack, Steve Sisolak created a Go Fund Me to raise $15 million for the victims.
Apple releases details on durable Iphone 8 and X
By Morgan Severson News Editor
The new iPhone 8 and 8s came out Friday, September 22. The new iPhone comes in the colors space gray, silver and gold. The 8 has a 4.7 inch screen and the 8s has a 5.5 inch screen. With glass on the front and the back of the phones, it is supposed to be the strongest, most durable iPhone yet. The phone is also able to protect against dust, splashes of liquid and can last up to 30 minutes in one meter of water. According to Apple, the iPhone 8 has a richer sound with deeper bass. The phone has speakers on both the top and the bottom of the phone, making this iPhone 25 percent louder than past iPhones. The screen has an HD display and the screen adjusts to the light around you to reduce glares. The iPhone 8 also has a new feature called color gamut, that makes colors on your screen more vibrant and defined. It has a 12-megapixel camera for stable pictures and videos. The camera has a new feature called portrait mode, which makes the picture’s background blurry and the foreground focused. The iPhone’s new camera effects are almost as good as professional studio effects. Users can zoom in ten times for a picture and six times for a video. The photos and videos take up half the storage as they did on older iPhones. The iPhone 8 has one camera and the iPhone 8s has two cameras. The new iPhones have an improved flash and FaceTime will be in HD. Live photos can be made into video loops, also known
Photo Courtesy of Flickr iPhone X, said. camera uses 30,000 points The new iPhone 10, or on your face to make a map iPhone X has a 5.8 inch of your face to use as your screen display, which covers the whole password. The iPhone X’s new camera screen except for the cameras. Similar to also can animate your face as an emoji, the iPhone 8, the iPhone X has glass on the meaning any facial expression you make. front and the back of the phones making Both the iPhone 8 and iPhone X have it stronger. It comes in the colors space AR, or augmented reality games. Like the gray and silver. There is no home button on Pokémon in Pokémon Go or the dancing the iPhone X, so to get to home or to your hot dog filter in Snapchat, AR games put recent apps users slide up on the bottom fictional images into the real world. The of the screen. It also is resistant to water backs of the iPhone 8 and iPhone X are
glass for a reason, wireless charging. You can charge the iPhone 8, 8s, X, the apple watch, air pods and the air pod charger simply by laying them on Apple’s new charging device, the AirPower Mat. The AirPower Mat is a mat that is plugged into the wall and charges the devices laying on it. The iPhone 8 and iPhone X are also supposed to have an improved battery life that will last longer than older iPhones. Along with the new phones comes new software. The iOS 11 has an improved Siri that can better understand you and sounds more natural and human like. A lot more apps are now compatible with Siri. You can ask Siri to reserve you a table at a restaurant with the app OpenTable. She can also suggest news stories that are customized to your interest. The Do Not Disturb Feature is also customizable making certain people not silenced, or for certain people to contact you in an emergency. A new feature called Quick Type can suggest your location and recent addresses while you are typing. The Maps app can also learn your routes to school or work and suggest the quickest ways to get there. In addition, Maps can also sync to your calendar and suggest a speedy route to work or school when you have a meeting or test that day. iOS 11 also allows you to send money on Apple Pay through iMessage. The iPhone X will be available for preorder on October 27 and will be released on November 3. The iPhone X cost $999.00 for 64 GB of storage and $1,149.00 for 256 Gb of storage.
Sports
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Sports players protest by taking a knee at sporting events By Sierra Dickey Editor-in-Chief
The NFL protest of hundreds of players kneeing during the National Anthem began with Colin Kaepernick. He first started the protest 13 months ago against police brutality, shown by sitting on the benches during the national anthem at preseason games. Later transitioning into him taking a knee to show respect to the military veterans, making it a very iconic pose. Eventually his teammates replicated Kaepernick even though criticism from other football players and fans nationwide was targeted at them. However, the protest did not receive that much attention last year when it was first introduced. “To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street, and people getting paid leave, and getting away with murder,” Kaepernick said after first sitting out during the national anthem. After a year of an abundance of videos and pictures showing police brutality and the continuation of Kaepernick’s protest, hundreds of football players from different teams started to take the knee during the national anthem as well. Since it has influenced so many other players like, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Eagles safety position Malcolm Jenkins and Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch, Donald Trump has taken an interest in the matter. Tom Brady, once calling Trump a “friend,” has now locked arms with his
teammates and agreed that Trump’s actions are “divisive,” and from then has limited any further comment about Trump. Trump, against the protest, has shared his thoughts and ideas on how the situation should be handled over a series of tweets and interviews.
frequency of the tweets. “…our Great American Flag and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU’RE FIRED. Find something else to do!” Trump tweeted on September 23. “If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag and Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!” Trump tweeted on September 24. However, even with Trump’s demanding tweets targeted at the owners of the team, most have chosen to allow their players to protest at their “I think it is a own discretion. Because of this, Photo Courtesy Pixabay very important on Sunday the protest continued thing for the N.F.L to not allow people to and NFL players across the country kneel during the playing of the national knelt-down during the national anthem in anthem” Trump stated. solidarity against President Trump. Whole After the resistance against Trump teams, such as the Seattle Seahawks, the continued and more football players Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee joining the cause, some even choose not Titans skipped the anthem and stayed in to come out onto the field at all, Trump’s their locker rooms. Although the locking of frustration with the matter began to appear. arms was admired by Trump, he was very Shown by a series of tweets with profanity, clear that kneeing while locking arms was demands of the owners of the team, and the “unacceptable.”
Trump, along with thousands backing him, have established that the movement is not against police brutality but instead about disrespecting the United States and offending veterans. “I hope someone can educate the NFL athletes so they know that disrespecting the flag is not protesting the government but saying that the lives lost to keep that flag flying were wasted,” Clifford Hinkes said. Although Trump and many others have a problem with the silent protest, many others have encouraged the act. “I don’t think veterans at the end of the day take any offense, they actually singed up and fought so that somebody could take a knee and protest peacefully whatever it is that their hearts desire,” veteran Alejandro Villanueva said about the protest. The NFL take the knee protest is one of the biggest protests demonstrated by professional athletes and has even gained players from baseball and basketball leagues, but it is not the only one. One of the most famous political stances was Muhammad Ali. He refused to be drafted into the Vietnam War due to his basis of his faith and the irony of fighting for the country that, only years earlier, treated Africans as inferiors. Refusal of being drafted was penalized by jail time, which Ali completed. Recently NBA players have been seen wearing supportive shirts following the death of Eric Garner, who was choked to death in New York and inspired the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Houston Astros team makes it to the 2017 playoffs By Jacob Madden Sports Editor
After sixteen years of gloominess and depression the Houston Astros have clinched the American League West Championship. With a record of 91-58 for the games, they rank third in the MLB. The Astros originated in 1965 and are one of only eight teams to never win a world series. The last three times the Astros made it to the play offs were with a wild card spot and they have not clinched their division in over sixteen years. Their fresh new starters consist of Left Fielder Cameron Maybin, Centerfielder George Springer, Right Fielder Josh Reddick, Third Baseman Alex Bregman, Shortstop Carlos Correa, Second Baseman Jose Altuve, First Baseman Yuli Gurriel and catcher Brian McCann. With a seven-man pitching rotation for starters, the Houston Astros team will continue something great. The Astros have an ace Dallas Keuchel. He had a 9-0 record with a 1.67 ERA until he got a pinched nerve in his neck that took him out for three weeks. His solid backup is Lance Mccullers Jr., but after him the rotation gets a little shaky. Starting the season on a hot streak, they were the first team to get twenty, thirty, forty and fifty wins. After the All-Star Break halfway through the season, the Astros started falling downhill as other teams thrived. While other teams had a solid starting lineup, the Astros had up to four starters hurt at one point. They went 17-31 and were going down in the rankings. “Obviously, this was a pretty emotional decision for me, being in one place for so long. It really felt like family there. I’m excited for my new family. I [had] to pitch against this team. I know how
good these guys are. The opportunity to come play for a championship-caliber team for not only this year but for the remainder of my contract is ultimately what it really came down to,” Justin Verlander, Pitcher, said. Jose Altuve is a league leader in five categories batting wise. Weighing in at five feet six inches and 165 pounds he shreds the league in batting average, stolen bases, hits, and on base percentage. He has also hit over 200 hits this 2017 season. Only two players in the Astros history have done that; Jose Altuve and Craig Biggio. Altuve is a dominate force offensively and defensively as well. He has only committed 54 errors in two thousand five hundred and four attempts. He has had a solid eight years in the league playing all of the years with the Astros. “People kept asking if I could play with my size. I kept saying just stay healthy and play hard. Now, here I am,” Jose Altuve, second baseman, said. “The best team in the American League leads the league in batting average, runs, home runs, and slugging percentage, but one stat shows how good the Astros have been so far. Through July 28, ELEVEN players have double-digit home runs for the Astros. That’s a major league record, and we’ve got over two months to go.” John Flynn, Reporter, said. Despite the Astros impressive regular season, they are predicted to be a World Series contender. They are projected to win the world series at only 12 percent while the Cleveland Indians have a way better chance standing at 27 percent. With the first game of the 2017 playoffs versus the Boston Red Sox took place on October 5. They beat the Red Sox by six points and the same happened on October 6.
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Features
Road construction begun on the Five Corners Alignment By Erik Kouth Photographer
The Five Corners (FM 270, FM518, and FM 2094) in League City, TX was undergoing construction. The city has been doing construction to the road to make the Five Corners less congested and safer. The city bought a Mattress Firm, so they may connect the street of FM 518 and FM 270. The intersection at FM 518 and FM 2094 has a new auxiliary turning lane to create a four-legged intersection. Turning lanes from FM 270 are about 300 ft. northwest of FM 518, following an existing road, and then curve around the existing gas station to create a fourway intersection at the existing FM 518 and FM 2094. The new turning lanes allow for elimination of several high-volume turning movements at the Five Corners intersection. Mark Rohr, city manager, said. “It’s another sign of progress for the city, and we are pleased to take this next step into the future and, most importantly, address traffic congestion in the Five Corners area. I’m personally tracking the milestones of this project to make sure we continue its advancement until completion.” The city said they released the construction in February of 2017 and they will have an anticipated eight months of construction. Texas will pay 80 percent of the cost for construction, which is projected
to come in around $2.35 million. The Texas Department of Transportation is overseeing the request for proposals from contractors. The design of the road is designed to enhance traffic flow for at least a twenty-year period. This project was
the city has grown. The city also paid $2.2million for the Mattress Firm to make this all happen. The eminent domain gives the city the right to expropriate private property for public use, with payment or compensation. Mattress Firm was among
Photo by Sierra Dickey
projected to be this October or November. League City spent about $3.3 million on land acquisitions through eminent domain to make way for other improvements to the road and reconfigurations that caused delays and headaches for motorists for years as
six properties surrounding Five Corners that are being acquired through eminent domain. Two properties have already accepted the cites offer. Four properties were in the various stages of eminent domain, city officials said. They have accepted the offers by
now. There were slight delays due to hurricane Harvey. The project is coming together well because the delays were not too bad so the city workers are able to pick up right where they left off. So, they should still be on schedule to finish this project in early November. The city does know that this new road will be a little different, but they do believe that it will decrease the traffic congestion at and by the five corners. The other roads that were there before will be there still they are just adding a new bypass so that drivers will be able to get through and there won’t be as much congestion. The congestion during the high school football season is especially bad on the Five Corners intersection so this project will help with the bad traffic.The Five Corners intersection is in the heart of our city so most people know getting through this light is one of the worst in our city to go through. This project will absolutely help out with all these problems people have getting through the intersection. Rhonda Sullivan says that the traffic at the Five Corners intersection reminds her of Houston traffic and that is bad. to resolve traffic problems at the Five Corners for over 20- years now and they just now started doing something about it. Mark Rohr, City Manager, said. “I wasn’t here when it was designed, but I have to think there was a flaw in the design of the Five Corners.” He also said “It has been a major bottleneck for the city.”
Features Creek student organizes doll donation program Maddie Moore News Editor
On September 30, students from Falls, Springs and Creek gathered at Ecclesia Church to attend Mums For All. With all the profits heading towards the organization Dolls For All, all the materials needed to create a mum or garter for homecoming were provided. Anna Jane Hilbrich hosted the event alongside her mother, Lacy Hilbrich. Mums For All was created after Ms. Lacy made Anna Jane’s homecoming mum last year and realized that not all high school students have the time or money to put into making a mum. All mums created for donation were given to Clear Creek High School and all the proceeds went toward Anna Jane’s nonprofit organization Dolls For All. Dolls For All was founded in 2013 with the goal of providing less fortunate children with American Girl Dolls. Becca Preston, sophomore, and Anna Jane Hilbrich, sophomore founded Dolls For All when they were only in the fifth grade after Preston visited Morocco and witnessed extreme poverty. Her love for American Girl Dolls inspired her to begin collecting and donating gently used dolls to deserving children. Hilbrich immediately got involved and together
they were able to donate thirty-two dolls the first year and 108 dolls last year. Preston currently runs the New Orleans Branch of Dolls For All and Hilbrich currently runs the Houston branch. Hilbrich
and the success we have had in spreading love in our community and brightening as many lives as possible,” Anna Jane Hilbrich, organizer or Dolls For All, said. Hilbrich is currently a sophomore at-
Photo courtesy of WikiCommons
was featured on the CCISD web page with an article. “Thinking back, we had a crazy idea for fifth graders, but I think it is important for younger students to know they can have an impact and that they are not too young to help people. It has been so rewarding to see how we’ve grown as an organization
tending Clear Creek High School and is involved in Debate, Choir and PTSA alongside all of her outside volunteer work. She has approximately 1,300 hours of volunteer work at the moment, as she works about 5 hours a week and has been for five years. Anna Jane recently worked with her former Fer-
guson Elementary counselor Amy Laird to donate dolls for students to play with. As for the future, Anna Jane strives to become a lawyer and a child advocate. She also plans on continuing Dolls For All for as long as she possibly can. Becca Preston is also a sophomore in high school. However, you may know her work as an actress. As of right now the biggest role she has played was “Mitzy Trumbo” in the Major Motion picture “Trumbo.” At her Louisiana school she is involved in Debate, Screenwriting Club, Philosophy Club, Quidditch Team and many other extracurricular activities. After the Denham Springs Flood in Louisiana, Becca donated 23 dolls during the fall season and 5 dolls to a father raising five children on his own during the Christmas season. Dolls for All is partnered with CASA, CCISD, Generation One, Child Advocates, East Texas Dream Center, Doll Clothes and the Drip Place. A way to help Dolls For All is by donating gently used American Girl Dolls, linking your Amazon account through Amazon Smile to donate .05 percent of your total purchase price to Dolls For All or donate in honor of a loved one by paying $125 for a brand new doll to be sent to a child in need. For more information, visit the Dolls For All Facebook page or the official website.
Helen Hall Library hosts its first Volunteer fair Leah Burnam Reporter
“I would like to build on to be an even to network with them to work on future greater one! [fair] It was a really positive programs for the publics benefit. start,” Darla Rance, Assistant Librarian at This fair was not the only event Helen Helen Hall Library, located on 100 Helen Hall Library, said. Hall Library has put on. They have hosted W Walker St, recently hosted a volunteer Helen Hall Librarians, Darla Rance, a variety of different things such as, story fair for local organizations on September, Assistant Librarian, Joanne Turner, Senior times, book discussions, movies, writer’s 30. The fair was held for League City organizations who were seeking volunteers for anyone who was interested in contributing their time to make a difference. “We are hoping that many teens and adults seeking volunteer hours and wanting to be a part of community efforts will attend to see what’s going on in our area,” Darla Rance, Assistant Librarian at Helen Hall Library, said. The fair was located in the Civic Center Ballroom and all organizations were provided with a table to set up. It began at 12pm and ended at 2pm, people were able to come any time between. There were about 33 organizations associated with all different topics that were there, such as literacy, helping senior citizens, crisis intervention, animal rescue, the environment, the arts, museums, health, recreation and much more. This was the first volunteer fair Helen Hall has ever put on. Adult Services Librarian Photo courtesy of Dana Rance club, teen gaming programs, “If it’s successful, we want to do it and Tiffany Riggins, Teen crafts, antiques, and so much again, because people are always seeking Services Librarian, had been planning the more. The librarians are the primary source volunteer opportunities,” Darla Rance, fair since June. They wanted the chance to of planning and executing a new program Assistant Librarian at Helen Hall Library, offer volunteer opportunities for the people or event. stated. that really wanted them. Many teens have “Library staff is given a lot of freedom It just so happens to be that the fair was school-required hours of volunteering. It when it comes to programs, as long as it a huge success. They had about 85 people was clear to them that they also wanted a benefits the public and is free and works come to the fair who were seeking new chance to get to know the organizations with people’s schedules. I researched a lot volunteer opportunities. in the area, as well as potentially be able about what was going on in the community
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and used websites like Volunteer Match that were helping others seek volunteer opportunities. I made a lot of calls and sent a lot of e-mails. Research helps a lot in coming up with ideas, as does getting feedback from the public and community as to what sorts of things they’d like to see take place,” Darla Rance, Assistant Librarian at Helen Hall Library, said. Research actually shows that volunteering can improve your mind and body. According to a study done by London School of Economics, where they examined the relationship between volunteering and measures of happiness, twelve percent of people that volunteered every other week were “very happy” compared to the seven percent of those that volunteered monthly. Volunteering also provides four big benefits to your life. Benefit one: Volunteering connects you to others; devoting time to volunteering can help you make new friends and boosts your social skills. Benefit two: Volunteering is good for your mind and body; physical health studies have shown that there is a lower mortality rate in those that volunteer and a less likely chance to develop high blood pressure. Benefit three: Volunteering can advance your career; professional organizations or internships can arise from volunteering along with valuable job skills. Benefit four: Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life; exploring your interests and passions can bring meaning to your daily life.
12 Around Creek Library offers new technology and organizations By Briana Harris Reporter
This past summer, students of Creek met up and discussed a way to make Creek a friendlier environment for current and new students. While providing students with the newly added green screen, there is also a three-dimensional printer that can add creativity to students’ projects. They came up with the idea to start an organization called Creek Unites. “Creek Unites is an organization made by students who what to ensure that every one of clear creek high school feels welcome because they are an important part of the school. It is a great way to get involved and look for opportunity that we can find to help other people feel welcome and apart of the school” Mrs. GL, the school librarian and club supervisor, said. Creek Unites is a club about embracing the student’s community no matter the cultural background and to showcase school pride. It is about students who want to expand outside their circle of friends and open to new friendships. The group wanted to make everyone feel welcome and included in everyday school functions or to just have a friend. The club had its first meeting in the library in during September. Students are able to sign up for the club’s remind by texting 81010 at Creek Unites. The new club is just one of the many things the library has to offer. Another club that was started by the library is called Star Books. Star Books, which was cre-
ated last year has already been an interest of students at Creek. The school librarians started a club where students from Creek could get together once a month and meet in the library’s conference room to discuss books. Students can eat their lunch and are
it is horror, mystery, romance or an autobiography. They get to share the books they love to read. Meetings are scheduled to be held on selected Wednesday once a month. Creek’s library has provided a green
Photo by Sebastian Sandoval
provided with coffee from Starbucks, seemingly like a regular book club. However, it is unique in its own way. Instead of having a common assigned book for everyone to read and then come back to discuss, everyone in the club chooses their own. Students select any genre of books from their personal interest whether
screen these past years to help students replace a typically solid background to one of their choosing. This adds a unique aspect to their digital projects. The green screen is used for visual effects/ post-production techniques to design a creative look for video streams, photo media
Wade Smith was there to posthumously honor retired Clear Creek coach, Ruben Jordan, as Houston Texans week one Coach of the Week. He served at the Creek for almost thirty years, and lost his life during the Hurricane Harvey floods, where he
routes along with optimism. Afterwards, the four leading captains of the Creek’s Cavaliers proceeded with a dance to keep the energy going. The Houston Texans cheerleaders also threw foam footballs in the audience which really got the
and even objects. The color is chosen to not match hair color or any pigment tones. This way no part of the actors will be edited out in the background. It’s also important for any actors standing in front of the screen to not wear any shade of green. This of course will make that part of them disappear. Including the introduction of the green screen, the library also has the addition of a three- dimensional printer. The machine has already received positive reviews from Creek students who can now bring their digital creation to life with the additive manufacturing machinery. “I think having a 3d printer in our school is awesome. It will let students be creative in the projects,” DeAundrea Edwards, 11 grade, said. The purpose of the printer is to use three- dimensional design data from a digital file to create a solid object. The process used to create the object is by laying down layers of material. At that point, the layers will be under computer control with the design slowly forming shape into its chosen structure. Many types of layering materials may be use to complete the design structure including silver, titanium, steel, polyamide, stereolithographic materials, wax and ABS plastic. The machine can also form the design with a selected amount of colors. Students can go to the library and ask one of the school’s librarians about information for library organized clubs such as Creek Unites or Starbooks. Also, make sure to check out the green screen and three- dimensional printer.
NFL Texans honor Coach Jordan at Creek rally
By Briana Harris Reporter
During beat Clear Spring week, September 25 through 29, students were given the choice to participate in the week’s dress up days to encourage school spirit. The goal was to get students pumped for the big varsity football game against Creek’s school rival, Clear Springs. Monday was Disney day, Tuesday was safari day, Wednesday was fiesta day, Thursday was role model day and Friday was black out day. On Friday, the Clear Creek Wildcats unplugged the chargers by wearing all black at the varsity football game later that night. Before the big game, the school hosted a pep rally which held a few surprises. Students entered the George B. Carlisle field house gym to the sound of the school band playing the school’s fight song. The music filled the gym with exhilarating energy. Students sat in their assigned grade section, and waited for the gym seats to fill up so the beginning of the pep rally would start. The beginning of the ceremony started off with students and staff singing the school song, then proceeded with the United States and Texas pledge. The Principal of Clear Creek High School, Jamey Majewski welcomed everyone to the first pep rally of the year, by giving a short appreciation speech to everyone attending. We also learned that Clear Creek High School, was awarded with the best sportsmanship trophy during our games. Afterwards Majewski introduced four ladies of the Houston Texans cheerleaders along with retired Texas Ambassador, Wade Smith.
was last seen helping rescue Photo by Sebastian Sandoval audience deafening. Next, people from high waters. the student council officers Jeff Collins of Houston finally revealed the names Methodist, also class of 2002 graduate of of the homecoming court queens which Creek, presented Clear Creek with a five- was decided by the students who voted thousand-dollar check from the Houston on Itslearning days prior. The 2017 Methodist and Houston Texans Foundation. homecoming freshman princess went to, The family of Ruben Jordan then took Sammi Grizzaffi, sophomore princess went photos with the Principle Majewski, Wade to, Izzy Contreras and junior princess went Smith, Houston cheerleaders, Jeff Collins to, Hannah Gay. The five selected senior and other sponsors. girls will be holding another election to “Coach Jordan died in the same way determine the official senior queen of 2017. that he lived and that’s striving to help Every student gets to cast their vote, no others and for that reason his memory and matter their grade level, and pick one of the legacy live on forever,” Texan Ambassador five girls as their queen. The nominees are, Wade Smith said. Gracie Keagon, Raelee Wilkins, Vanessa Clear Creek cheerleaders took center stage Deleon, Dasani Washington and Brianna and pumped up the crowd with their cheer Young. The senior homecoming queen will
be announced during the October 13, 2017, homecoming football game, against Alvin High School. The announced senior queen will be presented and crowned by the former 2016 homecoming queen alumna. The last activity of the day was presented by student council. Officers called six members from each grade down to the floor to participate in the three games they had planned. The first one involved two students of each grade, who would sit on their knees and keep both hands behind their backs while the other members would balance a stick with two donuts dangling down. Both players had to consume their donut without touching them to be crowned the winners. The seniors dominated the game by finishing their donuts in a matter of seconds. The next game involved one player of each grade to be covered with toilet paper to resemble a mummy. The goal of the game was to create the best mummy in thirty seconds. The seniors racked up another victory, already victorious from two out of three games. The final game and last activity of the pep rally was to have one player of each grade tape a tissue box to their back and shake the ping pong balls out of the box with the fastest time. The seniors were again victorious for the third and final time, becoming the class champions. The pep rally ended with Principal Majewski saying final words to the audience. They included his support for the varsity football team to beat Clear Springs in the game later that night, along with his appreciation for the student’s great manners during the pep rally.
Around Creek 13
Creek Marching Band begins competitive season
By Catherine Irvine Editor-In-Cheif
Clear Creek’s Marching Band placed fourth in the Galena Park Marching Festival on October 7. The Wildcat band competes under the category of 6A which represents the size of the school that the band comes from. At the festival there was a total of 14 bands placing in the 6A category, including other bands from CCISD. Every band performed once in front of judges and was placed accordingly to the one performance. This ranking shows massive improvement and dedication in the band as a whole. This year, Creek’s show is entitled RISE; Risk, Imagination, Skill, Endurance and is conducted by Drum Majors Caroline Coco, Senior and Ja’Dell Scott, Senior. The three musical movements selected for the show are original compositions by Carol B. Chambers. The show’s title represents the hard work and focus going into each and every performance. The band has become more competitive in the recent years. One way the show is seen as more competitive is by the incorporation of props into the show. Parents of the band kids helped build wooden solo and feature boxes for the players to climb on to during the show. The props also include large pictures that spell out the show’s title and front drop pictures that add to the visual appearance of the show. The first movement of the show features multiple soloist breaks Joshua Oh, Junior is featured in a fast paced solo on
the Soprano Saxophone, Victoria Eaton, Junior on the clarinet and Jason Keyzer, Senior with a trombone electronically manipulated to sound like an electric guitar.
ence, whoever they may be, right before I play and think that it’s exhilarating to play such a key role in the CCHS marching band,” Joshua Oh, soloist, said.
The third movement September 30, the Photo by Sierra Dickey has an upbeat duet with marching band had their clarinets Victoria Eaton and Meg Grizzaffi, first competition of the season at FriendJuniors. The duet is followed by an edgy swood High School stadium. The competibari saxophone solo played by sophomore, tion was an all-day event, where the band Jacob Soto. Eaton and Oh perform another performed their show twice and advanced feature in the movement. The first and third to the finals round. After performing first movement are fast paced with complicated in the finals round, the band placed tenth. rhythms whereas the second is more lyri- “I’m excited to see how the band will decal. velop over the next few years. Even just “Having a solo is very fun and serious seeing the progress from my freshman at the same time. I look over at the audi- year, it is amazing to see how far we’ve
come as a group. It feels great to see our hard work during practices payoff at competitions,” Maddie McGinnis, Mellophone section leader, said. The band performs at all of the Creek varsity football games during half time. The half time performance begins with the band playing That’s Entertainment and that week’s featured song for the Cavilers. Then the band performs their sevenminute marching show. In the stands, the band plays popular stand tunes such as Dad, Wade in the Water, Bang Bang, The Horse, and cadences to entertain the student section. Marching season coincides with the school’s Varsity football season. The game performances allow the band to know where they are at with the show and what areas they can improve upon before a competition. The band spends eight hours together every week at practices after school all of which are scheduled down to the minute. The time the band spends working hard and towards a common goal together creates tight knit bonds and inside jokes which adds up to the creation of friendship and community. Despite the immense amount of success the band has reached this season, the band refuses to settle with this level of achievement and will continue working hard to develop the show to its most impressive form. Creek marching band has their UIL performance on October 21 at Challenger Columbia Stadium.
14 Around Creek Creek students enjoy “Great American Eclipse”
By Cece Huff Reporter
On August 21, the first total Solar Eclipse since 1979 took place. It was called “Great America Eclipse.” The eclipse was seen by the whole United States and passed from the Pacific to the Atlantic. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. Not since February 1979 has a total eclipse been visible anywhere for the in the United States. The solar eclipse was seen within a narrow 70 kilometers and 110 kilometers wide going across fourteen states across the United States including Oregon, North Carolina, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Idaho, Georgia, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina. The first sighting from the United States was around 10:15 am and then moved eastward through Salem Oregon. The longest ground duration was two minutes and 41.6 seconds at about 37’35’0’’ N 89’7’0’’ In Giant State Park just near Illinois. The seventh longest extent took place in Kentucky. This was the first total Solar Eclipse for southeastern United States since 1970. The first solar eclipse February 26, 1979 was seen in the United States and only from a part of Hawaii. The path of the total solar eclipse passed through the states of Oregon, Montana, Idaho and North Dakota.
Many people across the world traveled to see this once in a lifetime event. Observers outside the path of the United States saw a partial solar eclipse meaning the moon covers part of the sun’s disk. In Oregon, the eclipse touched the rocky
towards large populated cities if Dallas, Albany, Corvallis and Woodburn. Idaho is the highest point with Borah Peak and was a good place to be for the more adventurous people who wanted to see the eclipse from the best view possible. The
soils at about 10:15 in the Photo by Sebastian Sandoval eclipse path really shined in Nebraska state going across morning. This lucky part of Earth experienced a full minute and fifty endless miles of the prairie, lots of cities seconds of totality. The actual centerline and another state capital. Location is of the eclipse path hit solid ground a full important when you’re near the edge of the six seconds later, and plunged Lincoln earth. The longest totality (the total Bay and Depoe Bay into darkness for one minute and 58 seconds. It only took about phase is when the sky turns almost as two minutes for the shadow to race up black as night) lasted about two minutes
and forty-two seconds. There were lots of locations with similar or just slightly shorter totality and as long as the sky is clear the sight of totality will be just as awesome in either of these places. A few of the places along the line of central with totality duration around max. Included Bloomsdale, Missouri, Chester, Illinois, Makanda, Illinois, Vienna, Illinois, Hopkinsville, Kentucky and Gallatin, Tennessee. The last place to see totality, the last living thing on the US mainland to witness totality on August 21 could have been be a lucky wood stork or piping plover Cape Romaine National Wildlife Refuge on the coast of South Carolina. Before, it went out into the Atlantic Ocean, the moon’s swept over the stretch of the coastal wilderness bringing the Great American Eclipse of 2017 to an end on the mainland. Before setting course for Cape Romaine, the eclipses shadow crossed a number of small towns that lie a bit farther inland. At Clear Creek High School, students had the option during their sixth period to go outside and view the Great America Eclipse, with the right glasses provided by the administration of Clear Creek ISD the total eclipse was seen perfectly. It was an incredible and amazing experience for all the Clear Creek High School students.
Creek High School construction update 2017
By Neil Smith Reporter
Starting in 2013, a $367 million bond program was implemented for renovations among CCISD schools and was approved by city voters. With this came a 28 million turned 34-million-dollar grant for the improvement of the Clear Creek High School campus. Clear Creek High School has been busy with construction to add around 40 projects to the new space being added to the school. Some of the new updates being added to the school are a dental program, renovated theatre and kitchens as well as a new weight room among many other additions. However, due to hurricane Harvey construction was postponed for about two weeks until the inclement weather subsided. Being a part of many of the students’ everyday routine at the school, the construction project has arisen a feeling of excitement in many students who are ready to see the newly renovated school in the near future. For many students the school being under construction has been all they’ve known throughout high school, so the completion will evoke a different atmosphere than what they have seen in the past couple of years at the school. Many students are ecstatic for the new opportunities that the classrooms built by the construction will offer to Clear Creek High School students. Not
only new courses are being added to Clear Creek High, but also new remodeled areas are being added to improve the learning environment in classes already offered at the school.
‘hopeful’ and ‘exciting’. However other students have different views about the ongoing construction. With the CCISD grant at hand, not only Clear Creek High School but many
Photo by Maddie Moore
In 2016, the high school added renovations to various areas such as the theatre department, the baseball field’s drainage system, as well as the Fine Arts and ROTC departments. Many students have varying opinions and thoughts about the matter, with students describing it as
other schools in the district can renovate their campuses, improve upon them and even expand their educational departments. There are new departments and course selections, improved funding for renovation and updates and even talk of a new school campus in the making.
For Clear Creek High School, there is not only construction on the school’s campus but also on FM 518 right next to Clear Creek’s campus the road that many students, parents and many others take on their morning commute as well as on their drive back home. This construction to extend FM 518 to connect with FM 270 and also connect 518 to FM 2094 is an $8 million project, which is part of a bigger five-year $18.4 city-wide construction project, which will bring more people directly past the school to witness the many additions to the high school. As these simultaneous projects are taking place, the construction on 518 is allowing more cars to pass through central League City right by Clear Creek High School, and the high school’s construction leading to new scenery and appeal to the school. A plan to do sidewalk renovations around League City will also make it easier and safer for students of Clear Creek High School, as well as the neighboring Clear Creek Intermediate School, on their commute to school and back every day. With thousands of cars and people passing right by the school every day, many of whom live in the area, the scene around the high school is definitely an eye-catcher for the many advancements being made to the infrastructure and scenery in this area of downtown League City.
Entertainment 15
Miley Cyrus releases a new positive attitude album By Morgan Severson Around Creek Editor
The name Miley Cyrus is typically associated with her childhood role as Disney’s Hannah Montana. Her new album, Younger Now, is inspired by her transition from “Disney Miley” to “Bangers Miley” to “Adult Miley.” Miley used her social media to her advantage to hype up the album’s release on September 29. On August 18, Miley released her single Younger Now from the album on her Vevo YouTube channel. Receiving ten million views in the first two days of its release, the song is definitely one to rave about. The pop-country singer’s new song has vibes of pride and self-love. “I can be proud of all the Mileys I’ve been instead of trying to run away from the 11-year-old me,” Miley Cyrus, in a MTV interview, said. The opening of the song expresses how Cyrus feels about herself with the first few lines being, “feels like I just woke up, like all this time I’ve been asleep. Even though it’s not who I am, I’m not afraid of who I used to be.” It is about change, maturity and being at peace with the person you once were. It is the most personal album Cyrus has made. “Every time I make a record, I forget what the last one was, just because I don’t listen…that would be weird if I was at home rocking out to Dead Petz or
Bangerz...I think I grow so much. I don’t hold myself back,” Cyrus, on the Zach Sang Show, said. With lyrics like, “change is a thing you can count on,” and “no one stays the same,” Miley is definitely embracing her new self. Cyrus’ new song opens with melodic strumming on an acoustic guitar. Younger Now is upbeat and rejoiceful. “This is Miley leaning into her roots more than I’ve seen before. For her, this is honest,” Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley’s dad, said in an interview Billboard. The music video for Younger Now is full of Elvis references as well as back up dancers of young and old age. In many scenes Cyrus is seen with her hair cut and styled after The King of Rock and Roll. Also like Elvis, Cyrus is seen dancing with a puppet of her younger self. In the video, she is partying with senior citizens to emphasize how she feels a lot younger now. Cyrus also released the album’s second song, Malibu early on May 11. Malibu is a love song inspired by her fiancé, Liam Hemsworth. With Cyrus’s hometown being Nashville, she had never been to the beach before Liam took her. She wrote Malibu in an Uber on her way to the set of The Voice. In Malibu, Cyrus also sings about her three-year spilt with Hemsworth with the line, “I would have never believed you if three years ago you told me I’d be here writing this song.”
“I needed to change so much, and changing with someone else is not changing, like that’s too hard. Suddenly you’re like. ‘I don’t recognize you anymore,’ and we had to re-fall for each other,” Cyrus, in an interview with Billboard about the breakup, said. Malibu is full of rhythmic, harmonious lines. The song definitely gives of vibes of ecstasy and bliss. Cyrus practically smiles throughout the whole music video. Cyrus shared that Malibu is about finding your happy place. “There’s something about Malibu that’s very freeing for me…knowing that, for me this is paradise,” Cyrus, in an interview about her new home in Malibu with Hemsworth, said. The album’s forth song, Week Without You is also about Miley’s breakup with Hemsworth. With the chorus being, “I know that I gave you my heart, but you stomped it to the ground.” This song is definitely a lot more emotional than Malibu. Entertainment Tonight compared this song to Malibu calling it “a different kind of blue.” Week Without You sounds like soft rock mixed with country and has a very catchy, noticeable bass part. “I think people that break up and get back together, that’s awesome. You get time to be yourself. You get time to grow up. I think if you’re growing up attached to another person, you never really get solid as your own being,” Cyrus, to SiriusXM,
said. Rainbowland features Cyrus’s godmother, Dolly Parton. The best word to describe this song is happy. It’s the kind of song you can’t listen to without smiling. The song is about everyone living together in harmony. The song’s title, Rainbowland is meant to symbolize an ideal world where everyone is equal. “It’s about all these different races and genders and religions, if we all did come together to create and said, ‘Hey, we’re different, that’s awesome, let’s not change to be the same, but let’s come together anyway.’ Because a rainbow’s not a rainbow without all the different colors,” Cyrus, to People about the song’s message, said. Rainbowland also begins and ends with a voicemail for Cyrus from Parton. In the voicemail Parton explained that she was too busy to leave Tennessee to record Rainbowland with Cyrus. Parton said that she sang along with a CD of Cyrus’s part while recording her part. Then she had it edited and sent to Cyrus. The album’s full song list includes Younger Now, Malibu, Rainbowland, Week Without You, Miss You So Much, I Would Die For You, Thinkin, Bad Mood, Love Someone, She’s Not Him and Inspired. Cyrus’ new, pop-country, LP album was released on September 29.
They want to talk to the fans about why depending on where it is purchased. A lyric in the title track Gossip they wrote the songs on the album and what they mean to them. Although they are not says, “I got that new sound.” The song is coming to Texas this year, they are going about gossip. To quote the song “Look into to a wide variety of places. Their upcoming my eyes tell me what do you see? Don’t tour stops are Florida, Kentucky, Russian believe the lies you heard about me.” This song is very Federation, upbeat and Norway, definitely Sweden, one of the Denmark, more pop Belgium, songs on the Birmingham, album. It Manchester, was written L e e d s , by Kellin London, Quinn and Ireland, features Newcastle him as lead Upon Tyne, vocals. Luxembourg, Gossip is a F r a n c e , song about Netherlands, Photo cortesy by Flickr not believing the things Germany, the Czech Republic people say about you. and Switzerland. Ticket Legends is the Team USA song for prices start at 22 dollars. If you attend one of their the 2018 Winter Olympics. It is also pop performances, you will get your choice and upbeat but you can hear some of the of either a digital copy or a hard copy band’s original sound in the chorus. “We of Gossip. If you purchase the album can move mountains” is one of the lyrics from Target, you will receive two Target from the song and is also the lyric on their Exclusive songs called Broken Mirrors and Move Mountains Tee. If you purchase the My Life. The album price is around $8.99 shirt, 100 percent of the profits will go to
Hurricane Harvey Victims. They have also performed Legends at the APMAS with the Singing Angels choir. The fifth track One Man Army is also written by Kellin Quinn. “Never fear, never fall, never giving up till you give me what I came for,” the song is one of the softer alternative rock songs on the album. Music Mayhem Magazine interviewed Kellin Quinn before the album had come out and asked him what One Man Army meant to him. “One Man Army is a song about fighting, even when it feels like you have no fight left in you, even if you feel like it’s you against the world, you have to keep fighting!” Kellin Quinn, lead vocals, said about One Man Army. Kellin Quinn, the lead vocalist of Sleeping with Sirens has a line with Never Take It Off. Never Take It Off is “merch with meaning”. He has bracelets and necklaces that all mean something to him. He has a pizza necklace for his love of pizza, a We Can Move Mountains bracelet and a We Can Be Anything bracelet for Legends and much more. You can purchase them online at https://never-take-it-off. myshopify.com and prices range anywhere from one dollar to ninety-nine dollars.
Sleeping With Sirens performs with a new sound Arrington Linder Features Editor
Sleeping with Sirens fifth album Gossip was released on September 22, 2017. The first song they released off the album, Legends, has been named the official song of Team USA for Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2018. Before the album’s release, they had released four songs from the album titled Legends, Empire to Ashes, Cheers and Trouble. Legends was released July 14, a day after Gossip was announced. Empire to Ashes was released August 4, Cheers was released August 25 and Trouble was released on September 5. “This was going to be an album people could talk about” Kellin Quinn, lead vocals of Sleeping with Sirens, said about the album title. The new album sound is different than previous releases as it ventures more into pop music and is appealing to a wider audience. Although the album is more pop than their others, it still has the band’s original sound in the songs. Although they are constantly changing up their sound, the band feels like this is the first album that “sounds specifically like us”. For their upcoming tour, the band has scaled back to more intimate venues.
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Entertainment
African American actress makes Emmy history By Ashleigh Lewis Reporter
Screen writer, Lena Diane Waithe has made Emmy history as the first woman of African American descent to win an Emmy for outstanding writing a for comedy series. Her nickname is Katravkus. She was born on May 17, 1984 in Chicago, Illinois. She is an amazing writer and actress according to her fans. Waithe wrote television shows like Bones, Hello, Cupid and Save Me. Lena is a cocreator for writing. She helps people like Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang. She also helped create famous television shows like Thanksgiving and Star. She was one of the cast members on a world-wide show called Master of None.The show has become on the audience’s favorites because it is an all-time American comedy series. It was well liked. Waithe has a recurring role on Netflix comedies like Orange is the New Black and Lina on the Jane the Virgin. In the widely acclaimed episode on Orange is the New Black, Lena Waithe played a character named Suzanne Warren. Her role was based on her own experience coming out as a lesbian. Waithe called out the importance of diversity in the entertainment business and the value of culture when accepting the Emmy Award on September 17. Waithe showed so much emotion when she went on stage because of her tremendous hard work in order to achieve the
Comedy of Writing Award. Waithe told reporters that she always wanted people to learn from her experience. Waithe hopes her success will inspire others to come out of their comfort zone, to be proud of who
Angeles on September 17. Waithe gave a speech at the awards. The first thing she said when she reached for the microphone on a Sunday night were words of inspiration.
they are and to be happy with “Let me reclaim my time. Photo courtesy of ICollector themselves for people who Give me a second … I see strive to have careers in the each and every one of you. entertainment world. The things that makes us different, those “There’s so many other funny women are our superpowers. Every day when you of color. I hope they will now have an walk at the door and put your imaginary opportunity because this door has been cape on. you go out there and conquer the opened,” Waithe, Actress, said. world… because the world would not be The Emmy awards were located in Los as beautiful as if we weren’t in it,” Waithe
said. It was one of her most impacting speeches. “And for everybody that showed us so much love of this episode. Thank you for embracing a little Indian boy from South Carolina and a little girl queer black girl from south side Chicago,” Waithe said. There were a lot of celebrities to support Lena Waithe such as Chance the Rapper, Janelle Monae, Lena Dunham, Olivia Munn and Ellen DeGeneres. They were amongst those showing a lot of joy for Lena Waithe and Ansari’s win. At the awards, Lena Aaithe was wearing a black and gold tuxedo with a white undershirt along with a black bow tie and black slacks. Waithe had her hair up in a bun and a little bit of make-up on her face. She matched her outfit by having on stud sliver earrings. Everyone who knows Waithe knows she is extremely funny and inspiring. Waithe is a very friendly spirited human being. “I sort of knew very early on that I wanted to be a writer. Even in high school, I was a big movie buff, very much into television shows, and would critique them”. Waithe to her fans, said. “You can talk all day long, but if you don’t do something it is a waste.” Waithe said. That was something Lena thinks about every day to keep her motivated into what she loves doing the most, which is writing.
Entertainment 17
Inside the new TV show The Good Doctor By Joana Mancia Entertainment Editor
The Good Doctor, an American television series based on the 2013 South Korean TV series of the same name, recently debuted its first episode September 25 on ABC. The medical-drama series developed by Daniel Dae Kim and David Shore was originally developed by CBS in 2015 before it landed into Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studio, who are co-producing the development of the show. The show featured many known cast members such as Freddie Highmore, Richard Schiff, Hill Harper, Beau Garrett, Tamlyn Tomita, Antonia Thomas, Nicholas Gonzales and Chukuma Modu. In The Good Doctor, Freddie Highmore, known for his role in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as Charlie Bucket plays Dr Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome which makes him able to demonstrate prodigious and profound abilities. “It’s nice to save people after years of killing them. It’s probably my comeuppance,” Highmore, actor, said. On the Pilot Episode Burnt Food, Murphy transfers from his normal quiet country life to join the prestigious San Jose hospital surgical unit. Many doctors at the hospital are doubtful of Murphy’s ability to be a surgeon at their hospital because they’re afraid that he will make big mistakes. Although Murphy does have a supporter. The hospital president Dr Aaron Glassman, played by Richard Schiff, who met Murphy when he was fourteen-years-
old, and he’s firm on having him on the surgical staff. Many critics had different views over the show.
even worse — they’re so preposterously tragic that they’re almost funny,” Maureen Ryan, from Variety, said. The Good Doctor is able to bring
Photo courtesy of WikiCommons
“Almost every scene with other doctors at St. Bonaventure Hospital scene comes off like a third-rate Grey’s Anatomy rip-off: various subplots arrive complete with hot doctors, hookups and banter that doesn’t quite make the grade. Flashbacks to Shaun’s childhood are
lots of drama and suspense to the audience. It shows how many people deal with autism. It showed scenes of how Murphy’s flashbacks where he was beaten down by his school bullies when he was younger and his father because he is not normal
as the other kids. The ABC program also how Murphys’ intelligence helps him see the world around him differently and he sees issues and alternatives that ordinary people do not. But people are also able to see how difficult it is for Murphy to communicate with others due to his autism. He does have a supporter. The hospital president Dr. Aaron Glassman, played by Richard Schiff, who met Murphy when he was fourteen-years-old and has been mentoring him since then. He’s firm on having him on the surgical staff Since its debut, The Good Doctor has been attracting more viewers and captivating them. On the first premiere of its show it gained over 11.22 million viewers and it has been increasing ever since. On October 4, ABC announced that it will release an early full-season order. Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment announced the surprising news that they planned to produce additional episodes to the series. This is the first freshman 2017-2018 TV show, following behind by recent hit TV series Young Sheldon, created by Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro, that has received a full-season order with only a week into the season. The casting department had made the right choice to Highmore played this important role as an autistic with his extraordinary genius-level skills. Highmore is able to attract the viewers with his role by how he makes it visually clear how he navigates himself through the hospital and the different people he works with, fighting for his rightful position as a surgeon.
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